. Picture: David Rogers/Getty Images
Springbok World Cup winners Cheslin Kolbe and Duane Vermeulen were the big winners at this year’s BrightRock Players Choice Awards, in partnership with MyPlayers – the South African rugby players’ union.
The winners in 2021 were voted for by their peers, while the Fans’ Choice Award was given to the player who got the most votes by this country’s rugby viewing public.
In total, 30 players were nominated across seven categories.
Springbok No 8 Vermeulen was voted the fans’ favourite, while Kolbe was named the Players’ Player of the Year.
Springbok women’s player and national team captain Lusanda Dumke was named Most Improved Player in 2021.
The awards were announced on Thursday.
Forward Player of the Year: Siya Kolisi
Backline Player of the Year: Damian de Allende
Defender of the Year: Lukhanyo Am
Best off the bench: Trevor Nyakane
Most Improved Player: Lusanda Dumke
Fans’ Choice Award: Duane Vermeulen
Players’ Player of the Year: Cheslin Kolbe